A simple technique for intubating the mouth during OGD in patients with previous neck radiation

Trismus and microstomia are commonly associated complications of neck irradiation. In recent years we are seeing an increase in the number of patients with various head and neck cancers being treated with radiotherapy. This can pose a significant challenge in performing oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) in this cohort of patients. We describe a novel technique for intubating the mouth during OGD in patients with previous neck radiation. Instead of placing a standard mouthpiece, we place the barrel of a 5 mm syringe, which is cut in half, into the patient's mouth. This method allows easy passage of the gastroscope, where the mouth opening is limited by trismus from prior radiation. It also serves to protect the patient's teeth during OGD. Successful intubation with a gastroscope is possible in patients with severe trismus using our novel technique.